Two Fleurieu business groups, Business Victor Harbor and Business Alexandrina, have joined forces with Rural Business Support to provide financial mentoring and support local small businesses in the wake of COVID-19.

“COVID-19 is taking a fast and unprecedented toll on our economy that will take years to rebound from and businesses are having to dramatically change the way they operate to adapt to the rapidly changing climate,” says Business Victor Harbor Chairman Michael Schubert. 

“The pandemic has had a significant impact on small businesses, particularly in regional areas, with many financially fragile and needing support and guidance.” 

In response to feedback from the local business community, Business Victor Harbor and Business Alexandrina have partnered with Rural Business Support to run a series of free workshops to help small businesses better manage their finances and provide them with the tools they need to move forward and thrive in the post COVID recovery. 

The Financial Mentoring Workshop Series will cover the importance of a realistic cash flow budget, accessing finance and the myths surrounding the process and accessing support and assistance in regional areas.

It will be run at The Hub in Goolwa and at TAFE SA in Victor Harbor. 

Business Victor Harbor Chairman Michael Schubert

Mental health is also on the agenda at an upcoming breakfast, facilitated by Business Victor Harbor and Business SA, at the Chiton Beach Café on Wednesday 14 October. 

The free event for Business SA and Business Victor Harbor members, ‘SA’s Biggest Mentally Healthy Breakfast’, aims to help business leaders identify action plans to create a more mentally healthy workplace. 

It will be run in conjunction with 10 other sites across South Australia and will be linked online so attendees at each venue can interact with the speakers.

They include 2020 Australian of the Year James Mueke and Mental Health Commissioner David Kelly. 

“Poor mental health and stress can negatively affect a person’s ability to perform at work, their engagement and communication with others and their capability and functioning,” Michael Schubert says.

“With the added fear and stresses brought on by COVID-19, learning how to better manage mental health in the workplace has never been more important.” 

In addition to the finance mentoring series and Mentally Healthy Breakfast, Business Victor Harbor will also hold its AGM at the Victor Harbor Football Club on Tuesday October 27. You can find out more about these events by visiting their website www.businessvictorharbor.com.au.